Literacy Endowment for East Tennessee Grant Program

The Literacy Endowment for East Tennessee is a grant program administered by the East Tennessee Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization committed to improving the quality of life in East Tennessee communities. Established in 2003, this specific endowment fund is focused on enhancing literacy across the foundation’s 25-county service area. The Foundation plays a key role in fostering strategic philanthropy, channeling donor generosity to address pressing community needs, and supporting initiatives that yield measurable outcomes for better lives and stronger communities. This grant supports organizations that are dedicated to promoting literacy within East Tennessee. Literacy, in this context, may encompass a broad range of activities, from early childhood reading programs and adult literacy initiatives to workforce development education and digital literacy efforts. The grant program is designed to uplift communities by addressing literacy as a fundamental skill essential for personal growth, educational attainment, and economic opportunity. Grant awards are available in amounts up to $2,500 and will be distributed as one-year awards. The funding cycle for this program begins on August 1, 2026, and ends on July 31, 2027. Organizations seeking to receive support must plan their project scope and timelines within this grant term. Funds may be applied to direct project costs as outlined in approved proposals. However, no specific details about restrictions on spending categories, indirect cost rates, or disallowed uses are provided in the current grant description. Capital campaigns, general fundraising, and debt retirement are generally ineligible, and faith-based activities must not include religious content or restrict participation based on religious affiliation. Eligible applicants must be based in and serve residents of East Tennessee Foundation’s defined 25-county service area. These counties include Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, and Washington counties. Applicants must provide documentation verifying 501(c)(3) public charity status, status as a government entity, or as a public educational institution. Groups without tax-exempt status may apply using a fiscal sponsor, provided there is an established relationship. Additional required documents include the organization’s EIN, legal and contact information, a list of the board of directors, key staff involved in the project, and recent financial statements including IRS Form 990. The application process opens on May 4, 2026, and closes on May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. There is no pre-application stage such as a letter of intent. Applications must be submitted through the designated online portal; links are provided for both tutorials and the login page. Applicants are encouraged to begin early to ensure timely submission and allow time to gather required documentation. Final award notifications will be made in August 2026, with the grant term beginning the same month. For more information, organizations are directed to contact the East Tennessee Foundation’s Grantmaking Team. Primary contacts include Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, and Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations. General inquiries can be made by email or phone, with both local and toll-free numbers provided. The Foundation emphasizes its readiness to support applicants and encourages them to reach out with questions or updated contact information to maintain clear communication.